Opponents have been griping for months that the public option will lead to America's death and destruction, and, even though House Democrats really want it, the President seems ready to give up that aspect of his big, bad reform. Chief advisor David Axelrod tells Politico that he and the Commander-in-Chief will take a new approach, although doesn't specifically mention the public option. Another, anonymous aide, however, does:

We have been saying all along that the most important part of this debate is not the public option, but rather ensuring choice and competition. There are lots of different ways to get there.

This time, however, Obama's going to take the bull by the horns and make sure he's in control. Though he may alienate some of his base, at least he can keep up his "bipartisan" promises and lure some of his opponents to his side. Of course the liberals will still be mad, but, again, the public option was never the cornerstone of health care reform. And, really, you shouldn't be surprised.

One good thing: maybe this will get all the town hall crazies to chill the fuck out.